LP prize was destiny for Ron

It was meant to be a consolation after missing out on the top prize in an Express & Star competition 30 years ago.

But a signed copy of The Jacksons album Destiny now looks set to net its owner £1,000.

Retired firefighter Ron O'Neill entered one of the newspaper's competitions in 1979 and was disappointed not to win. Instead, the grandfather-of-four received a letter telling him he would be sent an album.

The Black Country 61-year-old was given a copy of the album.

As the group were touring at the time, the newspaper promised the LP would be signed and sent it to him in due course.

But being more of a Rolling Stones fan, Mr O'Neill packed the album away in a box, barely giving it a second thought.

"The album was never played and was put away with some other LPs I had at the time," said Mr O'Neill, who lives in Linley Drive, Bushbury, with his wife Carol.

"I can't even remember what the competition was I entered."

It was only when the King of Pop died in June that Mr O'Neill's thoughts turned to the treasure hidden away in his cupboard.

"At the time, I thought it was about as much use as a chocolate teapot," he said.

"When he died it triggered my memory because everyone was on about it on the internet and I remember saying at the time that I had got his autograph.

"I recalled that the record had been signed by the Jackson brothers, including Michael, and I thought it might be worth a bob or two."

A few months later, Mr O'Neill took some of his LPs along to a record collector's fair, where he was put in contact with a dealer in Ironbridge.

"He has offered to take it off me for £1,000," said Mr O'Neill, who runs a printing company from his home.

"That's one heck of a consolation prize," said Mr O'Neill.